Top Camping Essentials

Up here in the Midwest, a weekend of camping is a special treat that families and friends look forward to after a long winter. Enjoying the best that nature has to offer is a treasured pastime. Teaching the kids how to pitch a tent and build a fire can create a growing curiosity and memories that last a lifetime. Whether this is your first trip, or you’re an experienced camper, we want to help you find what you’ll need on your next camping adventure.

1. Tents & Shelters

The first thing that comes to mind when camping is pitching a tent. There are several camping tents of all sizes to choose from. If you are looking for a smaller tent that can fit couples or families of four and be set up in just a few minutes, you might want to explore great value brands like Field & Forest and Eureka! If you’re looking for larger, more luxurious tents, take a look at the Coleman 8-person Red Canyon tent or the Wenzel Bristlecone 8-person dome tent. These shelters can fit more campers with room to spare for desired comfort and privacy. Don’t forget to pick up an extra tarp for rain protection and to keep your firewood nice and dry. You can find the right tent for your next trip among our variety of popular brands.

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2. Coolers

It’s always a smart idea to bring along extra food and drinks with you when you go camping. Coolers from the top brands can help keep your perishables fresh and your drinks cold so you can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors with the convenience of home. If you’re looking for durable, hard-sided coolers that can last for years, there are several Yeti items you can check out. If you’re looking for a simple, easy-to-carry cooler that comes at a great price, you should learn more about the coolers from brands like Igloo and Coleman.

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3. Chairs

If sitting on the ground or on top of your cooler doesn’t sound very comfortable, remember to pack some camping chairs along for your trip. Traditional and quad folding chairs are easy to carry, store, and they even have cup holders so you can relax and enjoy an ice cold drink after a long hike. If you’re looking for maximum comfort, anti-gravity lounge chairs let you fully recline so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the summer weather. Hammocks are also a comfortable option if you like elevated relaxation. You can find popular brands like Coleman, Mac Sports, Rio Brands, and even our own Fleet Farm lounge and folding chairs to choose from for your campsite.

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4. Sleeping Bags

Whether you’re sleeping under the stars or in a tent, sleeping bags, pads, and blankets are great ways to make your camping experience a little more comfortable. Recreational campers who go camping a few times a year may want to look at reasonably priced sleeping bags and camping pads. Airbeds and pumps can also add comfort to your camping experience. There are also warmer, more form-fitting, mummy sleeping bags that can withstand harsh temperatures for the more adventurous, year-round campers. Check out our wide selection of sleeping gear from the brands you trust like Kelty, Field & Forest, Wenzel, and Slumberjack.

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5. Camping Cookware

There’s nothing like grilling burgers, frying fish, or cooking s’mores on a cool summer night. Classic campfire cooking items like cast-iron pans and skillets are a must for open fire cooking. Other essentials like the Coghlan’s camp grill help you hold your cooking equipment above your campfire for a safer, more efficient cooking experience. If you’re looking for a different way to cook, you should check out the wide range of stoves, charcoal grills, and cooking sets for you to choose from. Don’t forget to bring along some tongs and picnic forks to easily rotate and transfer your food from fire to plate.

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6. Skin Protection for Sun and Bugs

When you’re enjoying the great outdoors, it can be easy to forget to protect your skin from the natural elements. Pick up some sunscreen or lightweight fishing shirts to protect your skin against UV rays. We recommend using 30+ SPF and kid-friendly sunscreen with added sun protection for the little ones. Don’t forget to pack some bug spray to keep those pesky mosquitoes away. We recommend Deep Woods or Max Deet insect repellent if you’re going on long hikes or camp further in the forest. Off! Family Care products are great for general use against mosquitos and other pests. We also offer flea and tick repellent for your convenience.

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7. Lighting

When you need to move around your campsite at night, having a flashlight comes in handy. There are a wide variety of flashlights, large and small, as well as classic Coleman lanterns for that nostalgic camping feel. Headlamps are a great choice, because they free your hands so you can do what you need to around camp. Don’t forget to take some extra batteries or lantern fuel with you on your trip. Check out our array of flashlights, headlamps, and lanterns to learn more.

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8. Fire-Starting Supplies

Make sure you have the tools you need to start that campfire right away. Some items to put on your checklist are: lighters, waterproof matches, firestarter wood, and lighter fluid to help you start your fire quickly. If you like to start fires the old-fashioned way, you can purchase magnesium fire starters and flint strikers as well. Click here to see more of our fire-starting supplies.

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9. Knives & Multi-Tools

Knives are an important tool to bring with you while camping. Knives and multi-tools can help around the campsite with making kindling, food, and other survival needs, while other tools like axes and hatchets can help make firewood. Don’t forget to pack a set of filet knives so you can clean your fish and put it right on the pan. Check out our wide selection of axes, knives, and multi-tools to learn more.

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10. First Aid Kits

Safety is always important when going camping. First aid kits have what you need for those typical cuts and bruises when you’re spending time outdoors. Aloe and antibiotic ointments like Neosporin can help relieve pain. Other products like first aid tape and bandages are good to bring along. You can rely on first aid kits from trusted brands like Coleman and Johnson & Johnson, as well as heavy-duty medical kit packs that have hundreds of healthcare items to help you prepare for common injuries, big and small.

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Whether you need to make a quick pit stop or buy the whole campsite, our stores have the best camping gear from the brands you love. Don’t forget to pick up some of our famous trail mix before you hike out to your camping spot. We hope you choose Fleet Farm as your campsite general store.